Veteran Forward Senan Kilbride Leads St. Brigid’s to Roscommon Title
From Abu Dhabi to County Final Victory
St. Brigid’s forward Senan Kilbride, a 40-year-old veteran, has orchestrated a remarkable comeback in recent weeks, leading his club to the Roscommon Senior Football Championship title. Kilbride, who started his club’s county final replay against Pádraig Pearses on Saturday, scored a crucial point in their 1-16 to 1-12 victory.
Kilbride’s impact on the game was all the more impressive given that it was his first start for the club in the Roscommon championship since the group stages of the 2020 season. He had only made a late appearance in the drawn encounter the previous week.
A Whirlwind Journey
Kilbride’s return to the starting lineup was nothing short of a whirlwind. Living in Abu Dhabi at the start of the year, he joined his teammates for training and the league campaign only upon his return to Ireland. In the span of a few weeks, he contributed to his club’s success across various levels:
- Master’s Team: He played and won the third-tier plate with the St. Brigid’s Master’s team, defeating Armagh in the final.
- Junior Team: Kilbride also played with the St. Brigid’s junior team.
- Seniors: He was recalled to the senior team just three or four weeks before the county final replay, starting and scoring in a crucial victory.
Looking Ahead to Connacht
The St. Brigid’s senior team now enjoys a two-week break before facing the winner of Mayo’s Ballina and Britain’s North London Shamrocks in the Connacht Senior Club Football Championship. Kilbride, displaying remarkable humility and team spirit, has expressed his willingness to fill any role or even sit out if needed to support his club’s success.
“I said to the boys if you need me I’ll help out,” Kilbride told RTÉ Sport. “I’ll try my best to help out and contribute. Maybe the next game I won’t be needed at all and that’s fine. It’s basically about the club and the club getting as far as they can.”
St. Brigid’s’ manager Anthony Cunningham also offered his condolences to Pádraig Pearses’ manager Frank Canning following the latter’s father’s passing.
Did you know?
Prior to this year’s championship run, Kilbride was part of the St. Brigid’s team that won the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship in 2013. He scored a goal in their victory over Ballymun Kickhams.
Call to Action
Stick with 247Sports.News for more updates on St. Brigid’s and the Connacht Senior Club Football Championship. Share your thoughts on Kilbride’s remarkable journey and St. Brigid’s prospects in the comments below.